The Procedure

A vasectomy is widely considered by doctors to be the safest as well as most convenient form of permanent birth control. With improvements in the procedure itself and greater acceptance of family planning, vasectomies have continued to grow in popularity throughout the world. Astoundingly, each year over half a million men in the United States decide to “Go All Juice and No Seedz™”.

Anatomy Lesson

A vasectomy is a simple, safe, easy, and inexpensive method of birth control. Although in most cases a vasectomy reversal is possible, it’s best to consider a vasectomy to be a permanent procedure.

A vasectomy is generally an outpatient procedure performed with a local anesthetic. During the vasectomy, the vas deferens (tube connecting your testicles to the ejaculatory duct) is clamped, cut, or otherwise sealed. This stops the flow of sperm from the testicles during ejaculation. Without sperm, the egg can’t be fertilized (no babies).

How bad does it hurt?

These days the whole procedure is done quickly and efficiently in a matter of minutes.

So uncross your legs and relax. There is nothing to worry about.

With today’s medical advances, a vasectomy doesn’t require a scalpel. In some cases, it doesn't even require a needle. You’ll be given a local anesthetic to get things started. A local anesthetic means that although the area is numb, you are awake. This means you may feel some pressure during the procedure as the family jewels are nipped and tucked.

As with most surgery, you should expect some pain and discomfort after the procedure. Though it is different for every man, it is safe to say it hurts less (much less) than giving birth.

What happens after the snip?

Swelling and mild discomfort post vasectomy is normal and should only last for a couple days after the surgery. Although you may feel absolutely fine after your vasectomy, don’t take this as an indication that you can be physically active. You should go straight home and rest for the remainder of the day.

You may notice blood in your semen for the first few ejaculations after the surgery. This is fairly common and is nothing to worry about.

Applying intermittent cold therapy to the area for the first 24 to 48 hours will help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Doctors used to recommend ice or frozen peas to help relieve pain and swelling. The good news, like improvements in the procedure itself (no needle/no scalpel), now there is VasectoPeaz. VasectoPeaz is post-vasectomy cold therapy system specially designed for your prized possession. More discreet. More convenient. Less mess. More manly.

Most importantly – Will it affect my sex life?

The good news, the answer is a resounding ‘NO’. You can get back to sexual intercourse as soon as you feel comfortable, usually in a week or two. A vasectomy does not impact your ability to get an erection. A vasectomy does not impact your ability to orgasm or the intensity of your orgasm. In fact, a vasectomy has no impact on the testosterone levels that impact sexual function. Your body even continues to produce sperm, the vasectomy simply prevents the sperm from mixing with the semen before ejaculation. Actually, many men feel their sex lives improve after the snip because they are no longer worried about an accidental pregnancy.

Are there any long term side-effects after a vasectomy?

Aside from the blockage of sperm, the vasectomy has no effect on a man's sexuality, sexual function or sexual experience, including erections, ejaculations or semen.

WAIT….Test for Success!

Before you have unprotected sex, test for success! Sterilization after the snip is not immediate because there are still sperm "downstream" in the vas deferens. It takes 20 or more ejaculations over a period of four to eight weeks to ensure that all your swimmers are gone. Don’t take any chances. Follow your doctor’s instructions and have a ‘sample’ confirmed to be sperm free. In the mean time, be careful. Until your sperm count is confirmed to be zero, you can still get your partner pregnant. Use an alternate form of birth control.

When to seek medical attention

Minor pain and bruising are to be expected and do not require medical attention.

You might notice a painless black-and-blue color around the scrotum and the base of the penis on the second or third day. This is harmless and will fade over several days.

Seek medical attention if you have a fever, excessive pain, swelling, or bleeding from the puncture site (wound). If you have any questions or concerns about how you are healing, call your clinic for advice.

So there you have it.Simple. Not much pain. The only real lasting result, sperm free semen and a bit more sympathy for the neutered family pet.